Environmental Factors Affecting Reproductive Traits in Cows on Algerian Smallholder Farms

The present study aims to investigate the variability of reproductive performance recorded by dairy cows reared in smallholders' farms in the semi-arid region of Algeria. This survey aims also to assess performance and identify difference related to farm structure, the functioning of livestock farming systems and practices of reproductive conduct and food management. In this regard, a retrospective survey conducted among a sample of 24 farms selected on the basis of a prior diagnosis of farming systems. This study evaluates therefore data reproduction for 170 cows by analysis of variance (factorial design without interaction), general linear model procedure. The results show that the performance recorded, 69, 82 and 351 days on interval between previous calving and first service, conception and the next calving respectively, are substantially better compared to those recorded in the large public farms of this region and very close to those observed in temperate countries. The structure of farms and livestock farming system adopted has no effect on express of cows reproductive performances (p < 0.05). However, food resources and their management modulate significantly the resumption of reproductive function and conception (p < 0.05). Differences recorded were between 15 to 30 days interval favors farms with high quality forage resource complemented by medium amount of concentrate.